By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) is facing mounting global backlash after unveiling plans to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup.

The controversy centres on the global football body’s proposal to create a new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), and sell a 20 per cent stake to private investors. The body has reportedly valued the new company at $20 billion, with plans to raise up to $4.2 billion to fund football development programmes worldwide.

Under the proposal, FIFA’s 211 member associations have been given until September 19 to decide whether to accept an initial payment of $20 million from the proceeds of the sale.

However, the move has triggered outrage across football’s governing bodies, with several federations insisting they were neither consulted nor informed before the proposal became public.

In strongly worded statements, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) as well as the English Football Association (FA) have described the move as a lack of transparency and governance.

On its part, the English FA said it had not received any substantive details about the plan and questioned the governance process that led to the proposal.

“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached,” the FA said.

“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.”

The statement marks one of the strongest public criticisms of FIFA under president Gianni Infantino from the English governing body, whose chair, Ms Debbie Hewitt, also serves as one of FIFA’s vice-presidents.

Despite regularly attending FIFA meetings and World Cup events, Hewitt is understood to have been excluded from discussions surrounding the proposed transaction.

The FA’s intervention follows similar criticism from UEFA, with European football authorities reportedly coordinating opposition to the plan.

According to reports, European football leaders are considering a range of responses, including the possibility of boycotting FIFA competitions or pursuing a breakaway if concerns over governance are not addressed.

In a new statement on Wednesday, UEFA wrote that, “FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players, and fans.”

CONCACAF, whose member nations jointly hosted the record-breaking 2026 FIFA World Cup, also expressed disappointment, saying it first learned of the proposal through media reports rather than internal consultations.

“CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release,” the confederation said.

“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.”

The regional body added that decisions of such significance should follow proper governance procedures and extensive consultation with football stakeholders.

As of press time, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not disclosed anything regarding the development.

The growing opposition has intensified scrutiny of FIFA’s relationship with US investment bank JPMorgan, which is reportedly advising on the establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise.

The commercial vehicle would package portions of FIFA’s revenue-generating assets, including World Cup-related commercial rights, allowing outside investors to acquire an ownership stake.

Supporters argue the transaction could unlock billions of Dollars for grassroots football development, infrastructure and investment across member associations.

Critics, however, warn that bringing private investors into the commercial ownership of football’s flagship tournament could prioritise financial returns over the long-term interests of the global game.

With opposition now emerging from multiple confederations and national associations, pressure is mounting on FIFA to provide full details of the proposal before member nations decide whether to endorse one of the most significant commercial restructurings in the organisation’s history.

The final whistle has blown on a spectacular 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Spain and Argentina battled for global supremacy in a tournament that captivated millions. SuperSport brought fans every single moment, delivering all 104 matches live, every goal, every twist, every defining moment. Now, without missing a beat, the focus shifts from the world stage back to football’s elite leagues. The 2026/27 football season is here, and SuperSport, your World of Champions, continues to deliver the game at its very best on DStv and GOtv.

From 104 Matches to a Season of Unmissable Action

The World Cup showcased football at its most dramatic – tactical masterclasses, emerging stars, and unforgettable finals drama. SuperSport was there for it all, providing unrivalled coverage from kickoff to crowning moment. Now, that same energy, expertise, and world-class broadcasting carries straight into the new domestic season.

The Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A return with fresh narratives, new managers, and fierce rivalries. The momentum of a global tournament rolls seamlessly into a season-long celebration of football, live every week on SuperSport.

New Champions, New Challenges Across Europe

The 2025/26 season delivered defining moments across the continent. Arsenal ended their long wait for Premier League glory, Inter Milan dominated Serie A, and Barcelona secured back-to-back La Liga titles under Hansi Flick.

But as the new campaign begins, the landscape has shifted. Can Arsenal stay on top? Will Inter’s dominance continue? And can Real Madrid, under returning manager Jose Mourinho, disrupt Barcelona’s charge for a third straight crown? The answers unfold live, week after week.

Premier League: A New Era Begins

Arsenal enter the season as champions, but the Premier League has been reshaped by major managerial changes. Andoni Iraola leads Liverpool into a new chapter, Enzo Maresca takes charge at Manchester City, Xabi Alonso arrives at Chelsea, and Manchester United back Michael Carrick after their resurgence.

With Coventry City, Hull City, and Ipswich Town stepping up to the top flight, the season promises intensity from the very first whistle. It all begins on 21 August 2026, with Arsenal hosting Coventry, and runs through to 30 May 2027.

Serie A: Inter Lead the Chase

Inter Milan set the benchmark last season, and they return as the team to beat under Cristian Chivu. Yet, sweeping changes across Italy signal a fiercely competitive campaign ahead. Max Allegri takes charge at Napoli, Ruben Amorim begins anew at AC Milan, and Gennaro Gattuso steps in at Lazio.

Promoted sides Venezia, Frosinone, and Monza add fresh intrigue as the season kicks off on 22 August 2026, with Inter hosting Monza.

La Liga: Power, Pride, and a Title Hat-Trick Bid

Barcelona are chasing history after two consecutive titles, but Real Madrid have responded decisively with the return of Jose Mourinho and a strengthened squad featuring Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, and Denzel Dumfries.

With Racing Santander, Deportivo La Coruña, and Malaga back in the mix, the Spanish topflight is set for another thrilling chapter. The season opens on 15 August 2026, though both Barcelona and Real Madrid have had their matches postponed in response to Spain’s World Cup win, giving their players more recovery time.

PSG, Aston Villa Set For Battle In Leipzig

Paris Saint-Germain (UEFA Champions League winners) and Aston Villa (UEFA Europa League winners) will battle in Leipzig for the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday 12 August, a  clash which will set the standard for European club football in the coming season.

Kick-off Dates

• European football fans can look forward to the UEFA Super Cup, pitting Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain against Europa League winners Aston Villa in Leipzig on Wednesday 12 August.

• The FA Community Shield sets the tone for the new season, with Arsenal taking on Manchester City on 16 August 2026 at Wembley Stadium.

• The Premier League begins on 21 August 2026, as Arsenal host Coventry City.

• La Liga kicks off on 15 August 2026, with Deportivo Alaves tackling Getafe in the opening match. (NB: La Liga has amended the first round, postponing the Barcelona and Real Madrid games to give those players more rest after the World Cup)

• Serie A starts on 22 August 2026, with Inter Milan facing Monza.

Seamless Coverage, Wherever You Are

From the biggest international stage to the weekly drama of domestic football, SuperSport continues to deliver unmatched coverage to fans across Africa. Whether at home or on the move, on DStv or GOtv, the action never stops. From 104 matches at the World Cup to an entire season of elite league football, SuperSport remains your ultimate destination for the beautiful game.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Mr Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as France’s new head coach, replacing Mr Didier Deschamps, who resigned after the just-concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the trio of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The French Football Federation (FFF) president, Mr Philippe Diallo, announced Mr Zidane’s appointment at the organisation’s headquarters in Paris on Tuesday, saying he has been given a four-year contract.

“This is an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person sat next to me,” Mr Diallo said. “Zinedine is one of the legends of French soccer, and for many years he said one of his dreams was to take charge of the France team.”

The 54-year-old Zidane has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, where he won the Spanish league title twice as well as the UEFA Champions League thrice in a row from 2016 to 2018.

“For me it’s a continuity, a dream,” he said. “I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club, but I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do.”

Mr Zidane, who had a stellar career as a French player, called it “an immense joy” to take charge of the team he starred for from 1994 to 2006. “I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge,” he said. “That’s what motivates me.”

Mr Zidane praised Mr Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup and stepped down after the recent tournament, where Les Bleus lost in the semi-finals to Spain.

“Today I have the opportunity to be in charge of this team, and I will give everything so that this team can win,” he said. “I would also like to congratulate DD for these remarkable years.”

“What motivates me is the game; I was a No 10, I like goals,” Zidane said. “I was a leader on the field, and now I want to be a leader by experience.”

According to the President of the French football body, talks with the former France captain commenced in February 2025 after Mr Deschamps said he would stand down after the 2026 World Cup.

Mr Zidane will be looking to recreate his stellar player-coach career in Real Madrid with the French team, where he won the 1998 World Cup, scoring two iconic headed goals in the final to beat Brazil 3-0, as well as the Euro 2000, where he spearheaded the French midfield to a 2–1 final win over Italy, winning Player of the Tournament honours.

At the 2006 World Cup, he came out of international retirement to lead France to the final, winning the Golden Ball despite receiving a red card in his final professional match for a headbutt on Italy’s Marco Materazzi. France lost the game 5-3 on penalties.